Calls for stronger digital governance framework
SRINAGAR, JULY 14: Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department, Saurabh Bhagat, Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA) to review the progress of key digital governance initiatives and chart the roadmap for strengthening the Union Territory’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and citizen-centric service delivery.
The meeting, as per an official statement, reviewed the modernization of the Jammu & Kashmir State Data Centre (JKSDC), eOffice implementation, State Wide Area Network (SWAN), cybersecurity initiatives, software development framework, Digital Village Centres, Artificial Intelligence initiatives, human resource issues and the rollout of the Chief Minister’s Internship Programme.
Emphasizing the need for an integrated and secure digital ecosystem, the Commissioner Secretary directed JaKeGA to prepare a comprehensive policy framework for establishing the Jammu & Kashmir State Data Centre as the sole Government Data Centre of the Union Territory with world-class infrastructure and robust cybersecurity capabilities. He also called for phased consolidation of departmental data centres into the State Data Centre to improve efficiency, optimize resources and enhance security.
To strengthen governance of Government digital assets, Saurabh Bhagat directed formulation of a uniform Software Development Policy covering project approval, ownership, source code handover, maintenance and lifecycle management. He also stressed adoption of standardized technology frameworks to eliminate duplication and ensure long-term sustainability.
Commissioner Secretary further directed JaKeGA to prepare roadmaps and DPRs for key initiatives, including an Integrated Command and Control Centre, Cyber Security Disaster Recovery framework, AI adoption across Government, expansion of Digital Village Centres, integration of Government services with WhatsApp, strengthening of SWAN connectivity and implementation of a resilient IP Telephony solution.
Reviewing eOffice implementation, Saurabh Bhagat appreciated JaKeGA for extending the platform up to the Tehsil and Block levels and directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure its optimum utilization for transparent, efficient and paperless governance.
He also instructed JaKeGA to immediately develop the building allotted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau at Jammu into a Centre of Excellence for Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, startup incubation and internship programmes.
Commissioner Secretary reviewed the human resource issues of JaKeGA and directed that all genuine pending matters be resolved on priority. He also instructed JaKeGA to expedite the online registration process for the Chief Minister’s Internship Programme to ensure maximum participation of eligible engineering students and fresh graduates across Jammu & Kashmir.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to technology-driven governance, the Commissioner Secretary directed all concerned officers to ensure time-bound implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting through close coordination and periodic review.
The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer, JaKeGA, Asha Chaudhary Malhotra, senior officers of the Information Technology Department and JaKeGA, while officers from outstation offices participated through virtual mode.
